Second Vice-President Enock Chihana says the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, security, constitutional order and democratic governance.
Speaking on Sunday at the close of the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation Summit in Durban, South Africa, he said the meeting demonstrated the region’s resolve to address challenges through dialogue, cooperation and solidarity, according to a statement from the Office of the Second Vice-President.
The summit considered key political and security developments, including the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), developments in Madagascar and political and security challenges in Mozambique.
“The recommendations adopted during this meeting will provide strategic guidance to our region in pursuit of peace and security and entrenchment of a culture of democracy and people-centred governance,” said Chihana.
He said peace in eastern DRC remained attainable through collective efforts involving Sadc, the East African Community and the African Union, while stressing the need for continued regional engagement.
On Madagascar, Chihana said Sadc remained committed to supporting the restoration of constitutional order through inclusive processes.
“Regarding Mozambique, it is encouraging that the government and opposition are engaged in national dialogue to address political challenges and violence that emerged after the elections,” he said.
Sadc Executive Secretary Elias Magosi also stressed the importance of regional cooperation in conflict prevention, mediation and strengthening democratic governance.
The Organ Troika meeting preceded the 46th Sadc Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government. Malawi is the current chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, with Eswatini as incoming chair and Tanzania as outgoing chair.
On the sidelines of the summit, Chihana led a Malawian delegation in a bilateral meeting with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo, where the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation, regional collaboration and shared interests.
The delegation included Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister George Chaponda and Defence Minister Feston Kaupa.
